adams



I. H. ADAMS.

APPARATUS FOR .THE CONVERSION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

INVENTOR.

ROFUujOU Patented Nov. 4, 1919.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 29, I915.

WIIZSSgS,

.l. H. ADAMS.

APPARATUS FOR THE CONVERSION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS.

9 1'. 9 1 AI! V O N M n e t aw. P i M on 2 R A M D E L N W A C U P P A 2SHEETSSHEET 2.

WITNESSES:

a earns nrrr rrron JOSEPH H. ADAMS,

OF FLATBUSH, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE TEXAS COMPANY, OF

HOUSTON, TEXAS, A CORPORATION OF TEXAS.

APPARATT J'S FOR THE CONVERSION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 4, rate,

Application filed March 29, 1915. Serial No. 17,699.

Description.

My invention relates broadly and primarily to an apparatus forconverting high boiling point petroleum oils and distillates as Well asthose of the aromatic series into more volatile products resemblinglower boiling oils of the gasolene, benzin, naphtha type and largeryields-of benzol and other low specific gravity products of the aromaticgroup to augment the gradually diminishing' supply of the naturalproduct, or that which is presently obtained from crude petroleum andcoal tar by the commonly practised methods of fractional distillation,in

order to meet the increasing demand for these products.

It, is intended that this conversion apparatus shall be available forthe transformation of oils and oily vapors of the hydrocarbon series andfor all other conversion 7 the chamber to a temperature of suflicientintensity to crack and convert the same into oils'orpetroleum and coaltar oils and spirits different and possibly more valuable than theoriginal untreated oil.

This invention is based on the facts that hydro-carbon oils and-vaporsof oil d stillates can be successfully and commercially converted intothose of lower specific gravity and boiling points, by means of properlyapplied intense heat and high vapor-pressure, without undulytransforming them into a large quantity of fixed gases as more fully setforth .in my co-pending applications 530,852, December 1, 1909, 618,011,March 30, 1911, and 879,907, December 31, 1914. The products produced.by the transformation difl'er in character from the original materialand for certain purposes are more useful and more valuable.

This invention comprises an apparatus capable of being constructed at amoderate cost, and so desi edas to enable skilled workmen to readllyoperate the same at a high rate of efficiency in lowering the boilingpoints of various grades of hydro-carbon oils.

Another object within the contemplation of this invention is to providean apparatus capable ofsome variation in the'inode of operation, so. asto adapt the same to the treatment of different oils, where' simple andinexpensive parts and features can be arranged and correlated to rendercomplete an organization or system of continuously convertinghydro-carbon oils and oily vapors on a common basis, in an apparatus ofpractical and enduring nature, wherein the more valuable materials suchas naphthas,

gasolenes, benzols and toluols of low specific gravities can beconverted from oils of less value and higher boiling points.

Other objects. and advantages of my'in- .vention will beset forthhereinafter, and

the novel 'featuresthereof set forth in appended claims. Y

In order that this invention may be the more fully disclosed andotherwise made wholly comprehensible to: those skilled in the art,drawings typical of the many possible embodiments thereof have beenappended hereto, as a part of this disclosure, and in such drawingslikecharacters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of 'whichz i Figure 1, is n elevation and partly sec'tional drawing of the collective apparatus Jembodyin'g certain aspectsof this invention wherein heat of intense temperature is applied to oiland oily vapors while under vapor pressure, and also showing details ofthe various parts, and which, for all puroses of description, willafi'orda clear and Well defined view of the several features comprisingthe converting apparatus and its correlated pumps. tanks and containers.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view at the top of a I the converted oil, andtherefore the heating -furnace,sho.wn to illustrate a common form 4 ofheater which may be adapted for this apparatus.

Fig. 3 shows more clearly a form of release pop valve. and oil vapor andliquid collector. j i Fig. 4 is a top view of the cracking chambercrown, tothe under, side of which the c rackingflplate is attached, andwhich is mounted over thefurnace or heater.

Fig.- 5 is a partialor' segmental plan of I the cracking plate or mediumwhich, when brought to the proper and'required intense heat by means ofthe underlying furnace, brings about the desired conversion, as morefully set forthv in the following description, and

Fig. 6 is The reservoir tank, A.

Referringnow to Fig. l, the source of' supply A, can be somewhatelevated with I mitted. to the bottom of respect to the converter CD, sothat the gr avitating' tendency of the oil may augment its flow into theconverter under the influence of-the' contained weight of oil, or theease with which it may be withdrawn and forced into the converter bymeans of pump 5.

The fluid oil may be supplied-to the container A, through the'pipe 1,while at the same time displaced air from the tank can escape throughvent pipe 2, at the top-of the container.

For obvious reasons it is best to pre-lieat the oil before it isadmitted'to the converter:

CD, so that the heat in that part of the apparatus may be conservedforthe more important function of cracking splitting the 'molecules of,and rapidly vaporizingsystem B, is provided'and' interposed between thesource ofsupply and the cone verter, wherein the oil to be treated canbe type, but preferably provides a continuously rising coil 15,contamed. within the hot oil receptacle 16, where the overflow hot oilfrom the dome D, supplied through pipes 24 and 25, can be utillzedv toheat the in---' coming cold-oil within the coil, orthe pipe.

coil 17, located in stack 50, can be arranged to utilize the waste heatfrom the furnace C, to pre-heat the inflowing hot oil to,.the converterGD. y

The oil to be so heated resses upwardly itspfio vubbles or vapor r seandreadlly'. es-

a partly sectional view of ,the liquid and vapor dome base showing the.

hat any cape and not form air locks to retard the flow or oil into theconverter. work, and also-the correlated local parts of the heating andoil or oilyvapor cracking The oil converting receptacle, CD. The drawingshows' one of the many diverse forms which the converter CD, may assume,and such converter here shown tion of oi l quantities and temperatures,whlch are m part'regulated by the flow of oil through supply pipe 8, andprecision valves, 9, and in part by the overflow of oil through pies 24and 25, pre-heater tank 16, p1pe 2,

and into hot oil receiving tank 26.

A glass gage 28' is arranged on column 29, in order; to inspect thelocation of oil in that part of the system.

The furnace C, is provided and located under the liquid and vapor domeD, and cracking chamber 18, as a means of generat 'ing intense heat byknown methods of gas,

fuel oil, "coal or electricity;' and this fur- 'nace 1s supported onlegs or piers, if neces sary, so-that in the use of gas or fuel oil,

access can be more readily had to the feed valves and controllers whichmay be located in the underlying pipe system A pyrometer element 30, isarranged to extend through the walls of the furnace C,

in order that temperatures may be determined therein, which, in. thisconversion I system, is a very important feature. A port 95, is located"in the'furnace wall, for inspection purposes, which'same is closed witha suitable fire brick plug, provided with a I handle:

Inasmuch as the vapors'rising into and filling the upper part offtheexpansion dome may, at any time, be so rapidly evolved as 'to exertundue or spasmodlc pressure, I

havev placed a collecting trap tank 31,and release pop valve, 32, i ncl0se relation with the upper part of thedome, by means of"the,.pg)esi33 and 29, so that any undue or-"su den pressure above agiven number of pounds necessary to carry on the process work underinormal conditions, will cause-the release pop 32 to act rapidly andtense temperatures to the heat enduring, or

5 more or less perfect conversion.

teams"? cracking plate 19, for the purpose of bringing about a mor orless complete conversion of oil. I

Preferablythis feature is operated by gas 5 or fuel oil, and comprisesone or more jets 44, to which elements of combustion are fed throughpipes 78 and 79, and thereafter forced into an inclosed furnace C,composed preferably of a metal shell, or container 45,

lined with fire'brick 46, and asbestos or magnesia fillin 47, whichtogetherare intended to retain X6 heat as long as possible, for thepurpose of maintaining the plate 19, at the proper and uniformtemperature for In the show form, this furnace C, with its intake pipes44, and outlet or exhaust flue 48, passing through stack 50, is made upin circular form, and partially filled with a checker work of fire brick46, to' properly heat the round vplate19, located at the top of thefurnace in the form of a cap; and I while the design of heater may bevaried to conform with the different styles of convert- 5 ers whichcould be made, this form .is well adapted for the economical use of gasandliquid fuels, to generate the required intense heat, and especiallyfor operating in the oil and gas regions, where the fuel cost is low.

When operating on oils for the purpose of converting them, it isnecessary to localize the heat so as to preventits spreadingin a lowerdegree of intensity than is necessary to effectually crack the oil, andto this end,

in the embodiment of the apparatus, 1 have provided a crown 49, to whichthe cracking plate 19, is 'made fast with bolts drawn against a gasketat its outer edge, and spaced 4o them so that only a thin layer or bodyof oil contained in the chamber 18, comes in close proximity to theintensely heated surface of the plate 19, which, as shown at Fig.5, isprovided with slotted holes 51, having parallel edges radiating from thecenter of the plate, so that as expansion or contraction takes place inthe plate 19, a means is pro vided to protect the crown 49.

V A more comprehensive idea of this crowncan be had from Fig. 4, whereinthree ports 52, and a number of oil supply pipes 53, are

definitely located to facilitate operation,

This drawing shows the radiating ribs 54,

which help to strengthen that part of the ap- 55 paratus.

The sight tubes 55, provide a meansof inspecting the condition of thecracking plate 19, or the molten metal 19, (Fig. 2) while the converteris in operation; and also affords a port through which pieces of metalor alloy can be placed withinchamber 18, preparatory to its becomingmelted on plate 19. To protect plate 19, from burning out, or thedestruction of oil over its surface, with a consequent deposit of carbonand the'more or less complete transformation of oil into fixed gases,with lar e commercial losses, I

point consistent with the required cracking temperature for the oils tobe treated;

which, when brought to the proper degree of heat becomes a semifluidmetal 19, (Fig. 2) flowing overt-he top surface of the plate 19, whereit' may be seen through inspection sights 55, if there is clear oil incracking employ a metal or a loy having a melting chamber 18, andremaining so during the process of conversion, when the furnace heat ismaintained at the proper ,degree of intensity.

In this manner the oil does not come 1n direct contact with the plate19,-but isafmethods of oil contact with the heat is Y largely a matterof-judicious oil converting practice over which no set rules can govern.

In order to prevent furious agitation within chamber 18, and dome I),while the converter is in operation, baflie plates 56, are

located within the neck pipe 20, and madefast to rod 57, which rodextends through cap 21, of dome D, and to which it is attached by meansof lock nuts, then the joint is properly sealed with a gland or stuflingbox 80. j

The baflle' plates located in this manner will overcomeany undue geyser,action or oscillation of the oil while being subjected to the intenseheat within chamber 18.

Owing-to the high temperatures employed in the conversion process, andthe consequent volatlhzation of unconverted, OllS treated under ordinaryatmospheric conditions, I

have, by a series of valves and collecting trap tanks, provided meansfor carrying on this .process under vapor pressure of severalatmospheres, if found necessary, by setting release pop valves tooperate at certain pressures, as indicated by gages 41 and 87, both forthe release of vaporized oil from the top ofdome D, through valve 32 andtank 31, and liquid oil from the bottom of dome D, through pipe 24,valve 58, in tank 59, from which it flows through pipe 25, and

valve 62, and is collected in hot oil tank 26.

In this manner I am able to reduce the undesirable vaporization, withoutconversion, to a minimum, and as a consequence the oils and oilyvaporsare, in a large proportion, cracked and otherwise convertedin characterWithout, however, transforming them into the undesirable olefins andethylenes, which are offensive in odor and uneconomical for commercialpurposes.

In addition to the intense heat and high vaporv pressure employed forthe purpose of conversion, I also may use superheated steam forced intothe body of oil or oily vapors cracking chamber 18.

through pipe 60, and small jets .or nozzles 61, and which are providedto inject steam with the oil at its point of entry intothe A valveregulates the supply of steam in proportion to the amount of'oxygenrequired to combine with a certain portion of carbon contained in theoil and which is cracked out ordinarily by the intense heat, and also toadd hydrogen to the oilor oily vapors to assist in lowering the boilingpoint and inagency of steam, hydrogen will be added.

Some of the refuse will be deposited on the cracking plate 19, orthemolten metal 19, above it, and from which it can be removed from time totime by cooling the furnace, withdrawing the oil from the crackingchamber 18, and dome D, then opening ports 52', which are more clearlyshownin Figs. 2 and 4, and with a narrow scraper, or long slicingchisel, clearing the surface of the plate or the metal.

.In Fig. 3, a detailed zdrawing shows a form of vapor or liquid traptank and release pop valve wherein 59, is the container or tank providedwith a tightly fitting cover 59, heldin place by means of bolts. Abottom plate 59", is provided and attached in a similar manner so as tomake a perfectly tight inclosure.

The release pop valve 58, is arranged centrally on pipe 24, and thespring 58", can be regulated for various pressures by means of the rodand cross head 58', which projects through the cover 59, and is properlysealed by a gland or stuffing box. Oil or vapors escaping through therelease pop valve 58, and collected within tank chamber 59, can bedischarged through pipe 25 and valve 62.

This description applies also to pop valve 12', in tank 13, valve 32 intank 31, and to valve 63 in tank 64.

tinuous, newly admitted oil to chamber 18, will in turn be cracked andchanged n the apparatus into lighter and more volatile products, whichwill pass off in the form I of vapors through goose neck 34 and 35.These will enter the condenser head 37 of apparatus E, and be led downthrough the coil pipes 42, where condensation takes place, and theaccumulated distillate will escape through valve 63, in trap tank 64,then pass off through pipes 65 and 72', intocollecting tank F, or it maybe drawn off through pipe 66, and valve 67, or trapped in tank 90, thenreleased through sight box 69, and collected in tank F.

A column 68, on which glass gages 7 O and 71, are located, is mounted inclose proximity to tank 43 of condensing apparatus'E, in order toaccurately record the height of accumulated oil in the lower part ofcoil pipes 42, or if trapped in tank 90, the glass gage 90, willindicate the height of oil therein.

Release valves 39 and 40, are mounted near the top of this column, whichis connected to condenser head 37, by means of pipe 38, as safetydevices, in emergency, to relieve excessive pressure.

Collecting tank, F.

Distillates which are withdrawn from condensing apparatus E, can beaccumulated in a suitable containing device such as collecting tank F,into which they can flow through pipe 72' and be withdrawn from the tankby means of pump 74 and pipe 73.

It ma here be stated, that since this process of 011 conversion dependsupon subjecting the oil or oily vapors to very high tem-- peraturesconsiderably above their vaporizing or boiling points, and since thisheat cannot be applied without volatilizing in unconverted form, certainportions of the original oil or oily vapors which condense in the upperpart of'dome D, the trap tank 31, and pipe 33 provision is made for theoil to be returned to the converter or supply system through pipes 75,and collecting chamber 76, pipes 29, 77 and 78', which latter takes intothe neck pipe 20.

Inasmuch as the precise degree of temperature at which the plate 19, ismaintained in practice, will largely depend upon and be varied by thegravity and boiling point of the oilsto be treated, and otherconditions, it will be sufficient to state that the temperature of theplate will be maintained at a cracking temperature of suflicientintensity to bring about the desired conversion of oil or oily vaporswhile under heavy vapor pressure throughout the system from the sourceof supply through to the end of or beyond the condenser and liquidtraps.

There are various parts of apparatus not asgyet described, but whichwill be more fully enumerated in the several hereinafter mama? modes ofoperation; and while the above de-' scribed apparatus may be modifiedgreatly and yet be well adapted to carryout my process, I have designedand constructed the converter so that it may be operated in thefollowing manner.

Mode of operation (atmospheria) When converting very low boiling pointoils and vapors, or those above 65 B. under atmospheric conditions, andwith only a light vapor pressure in the system, oil is admitted tocontainer A, through pipe 1, the displaced air passing out through pipe2, at the top, until a sufficient quantity of oil is stored forprogressive work. 1

v The system is then supplied with oil through valves 3 and 4, pipes 7and 8, passing valves 9, and entering coils 15, of preheater B,interposed between the oil supply tank A, and converter CD.

The oil circulating through these coils, is heated by the overflow hotoil from dome D, contained within the tank 16, then passes through coil17, in stack 50, where it receives an additional heating by means of thewaste heat from furnace C, and is then passed through pipe 53, intocracking chamber 18, of the converter C-D, where a portion of it isbrought into contact with the intense cracking heat maintained in plate19.

' 'The oil is'held at a uniform surface level in dome D, as indicated bya dotted line X, for the purpose of supplying weight to hold the body ofoil down against cracking plate 19, and also to provide a medium for thepartial arrest of lip-flowing converted andvolatilized vapors, which arerapidly evolved by subjecting the oil to intensely high temperatures.

As the vapors rise through pipe neck 20, to escape into the dome D, anlntense agitation is carried on within this pipe, and

which would cause undue and undesirable. agitation over the surface ofoil at line X,

if it were not checked by the perforated bafile plates 56, locatedwithin this neck.

As the oil rapidly becomes heated and volatilized, and would expand tounreasonable bounds if confined in the dome D, for any prolonged lengthof time, the overflow pipes 7 5, are provided to carry off the surplusunconverted oil, which flows down through them, into connecting chamber76,

and out through pipe'24 and valve 81, sight box 82, pipe 25, and intopre-heater tank 16,

from which it overflows at the top into pipe I 27, and is accumulated intank 26, from base plate 96 (Fig. 6), and are located within the lowerpart of dome D, as to very efiectually help in the evaporation of vaporswhich, having been generated in cracking chamber 18, rise through theoil in neck pipe 20, and that containedin the lower part of dome D,where they partially condense.

The heat of the contained oil within the dome D, drives them into vaporform again, and a certain portion is driven ofi from the surface of theoil at X. The action takes place so rapidly within the dome, however,that some of the converted unvolatilized oils would be carried away inan ordinary single pipe drain, and to prevent this undesirablecondition, the series of stand pipes 7 5, are so arranged on the baseplate 96, and located at the bottom of dome D, as to make ampleprovision for the escape of such.

cracked, converted and vaporized, rises'to -J.

the top of dome D, and passes out through pipes 33 and 29, through valve36, and goose neck pipe 35, to condenser E, where, in the pipe coils 42,immersed in cold water, the vapors are reduced to condensate ordistil--- lates which pass out through pipe 66, valves 67, sight box 64,and pipe 72, into collecting tank F, from which the oil may be withdrawnthrough pipe 73, by means of pump 74, and delivered as required, throughdischarge pipe 85. Y

An important feature of pre-heater B, is the expansion tank'91, locatedabove it, and also the vent pipe 86 above it, through which air andgases maypass to avoid vacuum or pressure within the tank 16, and whichwould interrupt the proper flow of hot oil through the apparatus.

Another feature of importance embodied in this system is the series ofwater and sedi ment traps 88, 89 and 90, located at principal dischargepoints, so that any foreign matter or substances contained in the oilmay precipitate out and not interfere with theperfect operation of" theprocess.

Mode of operation (partial pressure.)

If a light or medium vapor pressure of not more than two or threeatmospheres, or about 50 pounds to the square inch above that of theatmosphere, is required in a part of the conversion system, whenoperating on low boiling point oils or oily Vapors, the valve 36, ingoose neck pipe 35, of the vapor line is closed, also valve 81, in pipe24, of the hot oil overflow, under dome D, valve 77 in and pop valve 58,in tank 59.

The release pop valve 12, in tank 13, is

, set by. means of the .stem 12, to record a required pressure on thegage 11, and .the-

pump 5, is operated to withdraw oil from the container A, and forceit'through plpe 10, against a vapor pressure greater than that which ismaintained in the converter dome D, and at which pressure it will bereleased through pop valve 12, collected in trap tank 13, and by gravityflow, returned to container A, through pipe 14.

When this supply system under pressure, is in operation, oilis admittedthrough pipe 8, and precision valves 9, into, the pre-heater coils 15and 17, and to the cracking chamber 18, by means of pipe 53, and oilinlet 53', (Fig. 2).

As the heat from plate 19, expands the oil into vapors and volatilizesthe same, the converted vaporsv evolved therefrom are checked by valve32, and the overflow hot oil by pop valve 58.

By the proper adjustment of these valves with the stems 32 and 58', anyrequired vapor pressure can be had within the con-- tainer D, accordingto the nature and gravity of the oil to be operatedupon'and if suchvapor pressure. should be required at 50'pounds, as registered on gage87, then the pop valve. 12, should be set to resist a greater pressure,and the pump 5, operated to deliver oil at higher pressure into thesystem than that of the vapor pressure resistance it will meet with inthe cracking chamber 18, and dome D, against which the oil is forced bypump5.

As a means instrumental in observing these pressures, gages 11 and 87,are provided in order to properly set tliec'ontrolling springs orweights of the pop valves in the oil and vapor discharge trap tanks 31and 59. I

Oil which is withdrawn from container A, and delivered into crackingchamber 18, by means of pump 5, is driven off in part through dome D,"in the form of vapors, and the balance in partially or-wholly unconvertedhot oil and condensed oily vapors.

That certain portion of oil which, havin come in more or less contactwith the heats plate 19, and becomes vaporized and cracked, risesthrough neck 20, and body of oil contained in the lower part of dome D,and

expanding into the upper part of the dome,

is driven oil through pipes 33 and 29, pop' valves 32, trap tank 31, andgoose neck pipe 34,. then condensed under vapor presthe condensate orsure in the coils of a paratus E, from which istillate flows throughpipe 66, valves 67, sight69, and pipe 72,

Mode of operation, (high vapor presswe.)

When operating under high vapor pressure brought about by the expansion,vaporization and retention of oil and oily vapors in dome D, due to theapplied heat to plate 19, as in a steam boiler, and it is desirable toplace the entire system under high vapor pressure for the purpose ofconverting high boiling point hydro-carbons by the' application ofintense heat and pressure above that of the atmosphere, valve 4, inp1pe7, is closed, and the release pop valve 12, in tank 13, is setagainst a pressure sufficient for the pump 5, to deliver oil into thechamber 18.

The pop valve in tank 59, is opened wide, the valve 62, in pipe 25, andvalve 81, 1n pipe 24 is closed.

Pop valve 32, in tank 31, and valve 36 in pipe 35, are both opened wideto allow a passage of vapors in free communication with the condensingapparatus E.

Pop valve 63 in tank 64, is set against a vapor pressure by means ofstem 63 and recision valves 67 are closed, while valve 7 in pipe 77 isopened, thus effectually sealing the system from pump 5, or source ofsupply, to the pipes 65 and 72, atthe end of the condensing apparatus E,which 0011- stitutes the discharge'outlets for the condensate.

Valves 3 and 6, are then opened and pum 5, is operated to augment theflow of 01 into the converter C-D, where the method of oil circulationand vapor collection, with the system under high vapor pressure, is thesame as heretofore described when operating under atmospheric or partialand light vapor pressures.

In the discharge of ever, through pipe 241 and pop valve 58,

the accumu ation of oi is registered in the through valve 62, as it maybe required, to

keep the oil at a uniform surface level at l m, in dome D, and not toflood the tra tank 59. Inlike manner, the accumulate condensate in thelower part of coils 42, of condensing apparatus E, can be seen in glassassays? gages 70 and 71, located on column 68, and by means of pop valve63, in tank 64, or by opening precision valves 67, in pipe 66, the oilin the lower part of the condensing coils 42, may be kept at a desiredlevel. Distillates can also be accumulated under high vapor pressurein-ru'nning tank 90, on which glass gage 90 is located, and releasedthrough valve' and pipe '72 into tank F.

The sight boxes 82 and 69, are provided as a means of inspecting thedischarge of oils from the system, and together with the glass gages andpressure registering'gages, they form an importantpart of the visibleregistry methods for determining the proper speed and flow of oilthrough the system.-

Gases Which may be present in the distillate, or fixed gases made in theprocess of conversion, can escape through pipe 93 and valve 94, leadingout from trap tank 64, or through pipe 93 in trap tank 90.

As the condensate collected in tank F, is of a complex nature, composedof converted and some partially converted original oil, it may bewithdrawn and treated by any of the common methods of fractionaldistillation or topping, and the residue returned to the container A, ifdesired, for re-tratment as before. i

'From the foregoing disclosures, it is apparent that I have succeeded informulating an apparatus and method of operation which is well suited tomy process of oil and oily vapor conversion, and which is readilyadapted to theseveral objects in view, and that, as a result, I havemade it'possible with this apparatus,.to convert inexpensive availablehydro-carbon oils into products of greater commercial value, as well asto increase the yield of petroleum and aromatic oils to meet marketconditions.

As many changes could be made in the above described construction andmethods of operation, and many apparently widely different embodimentsof this invention could be made without departing from the scopethereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limited sense. I 1

It is also to be understood that the language used in the followingclaims is intended to cover all of the genericend specific features ofthis invention, and all statements of the scope of the invention which,

tion of the oil relatively separate and distinct from the mainbody ofthe oil, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a localcracking and converting temperature, means for introducing superheatedsteam into said oil at the point where the cracking temperature isapplied, and means for collecting and condensing the generated vapors.

2. In a deviceof the class described, the combination with a containerfor a body of oil embodying means for maintaining the lower portion ofthe oil relatively separate and distinct from the main body of the oilabove, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a localcracking and con-- verting temperature, means for maintaining vaporpressure on said 011 during the cracklng operation, and meansforcollectlng and condensing the generated vapors under pressure.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination with a containerfor a body of oil embodying means for maintaining the. lower portion ofthe oil relatively separate and distinct from the main body of the oilabove, of means for subjecting said separate oil embodying means formaintaining a portion of the 011 relatively separate and distinct fromthe main body of the oil, of means for subjecting said separate portionof oil to a local cracking and converting temperature, means forcontinuously introducing oil into said body of oil at the point wherethe cracking temperature is applied, means for maintaining apredetermined vapor pressure on said body of oil, and means forcondensing the generated vapors.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a containerfor a body of oil embodying means for maintaining the lower portion ofthe oil relatively separate and distinct from the main .body of the oilabove, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a' localcracking and converting temperature, means for continuously introducingoil and superheated steam into said body of oil at the point where thecracking temperature is applied, means for maintaining a predeterminedvapor pressure on said body of oil, and means for condensing thegenerated vapors 6. In a device of the class described, the combinationwith means for. confining a 4 body of oil, of means for subjecting apor-' tionof said on below the surface to a local cracking andconverting temperature, means for continuously introducing oil into saidbody of oil at the point where the cracking temperature is applied,means for main taininga predetermined vapor pressure onsaid body of oil,means for automatically drawing ofi' any surplus unconverted oil tomaintain said body at a .subs tantiallycon stan-t level, and-means forcondensing the generated vapors under vapor pressure. v -7. 'Ina deviceof the class described, the

combinationwith means for confining, a

bodyof oil, of; means for subjecting a lim-flited portion or said oil atthe lower part of said body to a local cracking temperature, ,means forcontinuously supplying preheated oil to said limited portion of oilwhere the cracking temperature is applied, means. for drawing of]? oilfrom the upper portion of said body to maintain the level; and means forcondensing thevapors of the converted .oil 'l a 8-, In adevice of theclass described, the

combination with means for confining a body of oil, of means forsubjecting a limited portion of said oil'at the lower part of.

said'body to a local cracking temperature,

means for continuously supplying preheatedoil and vsuperheated steam tosaid limited portion of oil where the cracking temperature is applied,means'for drawin oil oil from the upper portion of 'said' ody tomaintain the level, and means for condens-- ing the. vapors of theconverted oil.

combination with .a container for a body of oil embodyin means for.maintaining a fiat shallow portlon of the oil at the bottom,

- relatively, separate and. distinct, of means condensing the generatingvapors under portion of oil-to a local crac 5'5 verting temperature,means for continuv into said body of oil at the'point where the crackingtemperature is applied, means for maintaining a predetermined vaporsure, on 'saidbodyof oil, means for con 611$- 9. In a device of theclass described, the

.for subjectin said flat shallow portion of O to a (mac ing temperature,means for ma ntaimng'vapor pressure onth 1 d ing the'crackingoperatiomand means for pressure.

a 10. In a device ofltheclassdescribed, the

combination with'a containerlfor a body of oil embodying means forvmaintaining lower portion of the. oilrelatively se arate and distinctfrom the main body-of t e oil above, of means for subjectingnsaid 'searate ng an conously, introducing oil and superheated steam resing thegenerated vapors, and means for maintaining a predetermined pressure onsaid'vapors during condensation.

11; In a device of the class' described, the. combination with aconverter; means. forthe Supplying -to. said converter under pressure,means for heating the oil in'said converter to a cracking temperature, a0on denser connected to said converter, an adjustable automatic pressurecontrol valvein said connection'between said converter and saidcondenser, an outlet from said condenseraand an adjnstable'automaticpressure control valve in said outlet.

- 12. In a device of the class described, the combination with aconverter comprising a an upper expansion dome of greater capacity, anda-connecting pipe or neck, of means for supplying oil and superheatedsteam to 7 said cracking-chamber, means for applying lower crackingchamberof limited capacity,

intense heat" to said crackingl chamber to convert the oil therein, mensfor'maintain-- mg a substantially constan 011 level in send dome, andmeans for removing and condensing the vapors passing into said dome.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with 'a'converter comprising a lower crackingchamber of limited capacity, an;upper expanslon dome. of greater capac 'ity,vand a connecting pipe'orneck, of means for supplying oiland k-superheated steam to said'cracking'chamber, at a point where the cracking temperature is applied,means for applying intense heat to said cracking chamber to convert theoil therein, means for maintaining a substantially constant-oil 7 levelin said'dome, and means for removing and condensing under self-generatedvapor pressure the vapors passinginto said dome;

I 14; Ina device of the class described, the; combination with aconverter comprising athin horizontalccracking chamber having a flatbottom plate adapted to be raised to a;

high temperature and a central neck extendcrackingchamber.

-15; In a device "of the, class described, the

combination witha thin horizontal cracking "mg upwardly, an oil andvapor-1' dome-or re ceptacle into the bottom of whichsaid neck leads,and means for supplying oil to said chamber having aflat bottom plate,means below saidplate for heating it to a temperature sufiicient tocrack or convert oil in contact with it, a central neck leading upwardly'from saidoracking chamber, an oil and vapor dome above said chamberinto the bottomof which said neck leadsfand means for introducing.oilandlsuperheated steam "introducing oil and superheated steam into 4for introducin said cracking chamber through the top, means for drawingofl vapors from the upper portion of saidv dome, and means for drawing0% oil from said donieto maintain the level therein. 9

17. In a device of the class described, the combination with athinhorizontal'cracking chamber having a flat bottom plate,'-means wardlyfrom said crackin chamber, an oiland vapor dome above sai chamber into.the bottom of whichsaid neck leads, means for introducin oil' into saidcracking chamber through t e top, means for drawin off vapors from theupper portion of said ome, means for drawing oil? oil from said dome tomaintain the leveltherein, and means in said neck and dome to preventthe vapors rising up into said dome from unduly agitating the 01therein.

18. In a device of the class described, the combination with a thinhorizontal cracking chamber havin a flat bottom plate, means below saidp ate for heating it to a temperature sufficient to crack or convert oilin contact with it, a central neck leading upwardly from said crackingchamber, an

oil and vapor dome above said chamber into the bottom of which saidneck'leads,'means oil and steam into said cracking cham er through thetop, means for drawin ofi' vapors from the upper portion of said dome,and a series of draw ofi pipes extendin 'from'the bottom up into saiddome to the esired oil level.

19. In a device of the class described, the combination with a converterincluding a thin horizontal cracking chamber having a flat bottom plate,means below said plate for subjecting it to high heat, means forsupplying oil and steam to said chamber through the top, and a metal insaid chamber on said plate having ing point 0 the oil to be treated.

20. In a device of the class described, the combination with a converterincluding a. vapor dome, of a condenser, a pipe connection between thevapor space of said dome and said condenser controlled by a manuallyoperable valve, a second pipe connection from the vapor space of saiddome o said condenser, an automatic pressure regulating valve in saidsecond connection, and

means for controlling the discharge from said condenser.

21. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a converter, including a vapor dome of a condenser, apipe connection betweenthe vapor space of said dome and said condensercontrolled by a manually operable valve,'a second pipe connection fromthe vapor space of said dome to 3, fusing point below the crack:

said condenser, an automatic pressure-regulating valve in said secondconnection, an outlet at the bottom of the condenser controlled by amanually operable valvefand a second outlet from the bottom of saidcondenser having therein =an adjustable, automatic pressure regulatinvalve. 2 Y

22. apparatus of t e nature disclosed, comprising in combination an oilsupply v tank and preheat'er, a converting chamber connected therewithand means for supply-- ing and regulating the entry oi unconvertedliquids and oils to same, anJ.overlying inclosed expansion dome for thecollection of partly or wholly converted oily vaporsuin the upper partand unconverted oil in the lower part of said dome, means fort withdrawal and condensation of said'wapors';

under vapor pressure, means to withdraw unconverted hot liquid oil fromthe lower part of said dome through a circumferentially arranged seriesof over-flow pipes attached to the bottom of said dome, means forutilizing said hot overflow oil in said preheater to heat incoming coldoil before .enteringsaid converting chamber and means 'for returmng saidoil with newly admitted oil to the action of JIitGllSB'hGfit in-said convertin chamber and vapor. dome.

23. n a device of the'class described, the combination with an oilconverting chamber, of an expansion dome above said chamber andincommunication therewith, means for drawing off converted vapors fromtheupper part of said dome, and a series'of overflow pipes projecting intosaid dome at the bottom to withdraw surplusunconverted oil and maintainits level..-

, 24. In a device of the :class described, the combination with an oilconverting chamber, of an expansion dome above sald chamber and incommunication therewith, a circumferentially arranged collecting chamberbelow said dome, means for withdrawing' converted vapors from the upperpart of said dome, and a series of circumferentially arranged overflowpro3ecting upward y into said dome and gommunicating with saidcollecting chamer.

' 25. In a device of the class described, the

combination with an oil converter adapted to be raised to acrackingtemperature,

means for supplyingoil to said converter,

pipes for unconverted oil an expansion dome overlying said converter Iand in communication therewith, means for withdrawlng converted vaporsfrom said dome, means for permitting the overflow of hot unconverted oilin'said dome to main-- tain the level therein and means for im artingheat from said overflowing hot oil to the oil being supplied to theconverter to preheat thesame. I I

26. In a device of the class described, the

combinationcwith an oil converter'adapted dome, means for permittingtheoverflow of hot unconverted oil in said dome-to main? tain the leveltherein, means for imparting heat from said ovetflowinghotoil to the'cilbeing supplied to the converter to the same, and means for returningsaid overflowing oilto the converter with fresh oil.

27. In a device of the class described the combination with a thinhorizontal crac chamber having a flat bottom plate; means below saidplate for heating it to a temperature suficient to crack or convert oil[in contact with it, a central neck leading upwardly from said crackinchamber, an ,oil

and vapor dome above sai chamber into the bottom of which said neckleads, and means preheat fol-introducing oil into said cracking chamw'r. 28. In a device of the class described, the

I combination with a thin horizontal crack- ,ing chamber havinga-fiatbottom plate, .means below said; plate for heating it to a aitemperatur'e s'uflicient to crack or convert oil in contact with it,'a' central neck leading upwardly" from said cracking chamber, an oiland vapor dome above said chamber into the bottom of which said 'neck'leads, and

means-for introducing oil into said crackin chamber, a collectingchamber around said neck below said dome and overflow pipes extending.from said collecting-chamher-into said dome and terminating at thedesired oil level/therein.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

' JOSEPH H. ADAMS. Witnesses;

JOEL S. DE SELDING, A. ;QAPSTIQK.

